Electrolytic apparatus



Aug. 14, 1923. 1,464,840

w. G. ALLAN ELECTROLYTIC APPARATUS Filed Sept. 13 1920 9 Sheets-Sheet 1F 704 W ,B 5] n v2 1 1 fat VVillam G- flllaw,

Aug. 14, 1923.

W. G. ALLAN ELECTROLYTIC APPARATUS Filed Sept. 13 1920 9 Sheets-Sheet 9M airman Aug. 14, 1923. 1,464,840

w. G. ALLAN ELECTROLYTIC APPARATUS Filed Sept. 15. 1920 9 Sheets-Sheet 3Aug. 14, 1923. 1,464.840

w. G. ALLAN I ELECTRQLY'IIC APPARATUS Filed Sept. 13 1920 9 Sheets-Sheet4 53 A A a i] (n ucMtOt rV'lill'iann/61 37 M V (litmus Aug. 14, 1923.1,464,840

w. G. ALLAN ELECTROLYTIC APPARATUS Filed Sept 13 1920 9 Sheets-Sheet 5William Gflllaw,

Aug. 14, 1923.

W. G. ALLAN ELECTROLYTIC APPARATUS Filed Sept. 15 1920 9 Sheets-Sheet 6Jnucufot Aug. 14, 1923.

W. G. ALLAN ELECTROLYTIC APPARATUS Filed Sept. 13 1920 9 Sheets-Sheet FIZlliam Aug. 14, 1923. 1,464,840

w. cs. ALLAN ELECTROLYTI C APPARATUS Z4 3 wuentoz Brilliant & 7llan,

Patented Aug. 14, 1923.

UNITED STATES WILLIAM G. ALLAN, OF TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, ASSIGNOR TOTHE TORONTO POWER COMPANY, LIMITED, OF TORONTO, CANADA, A CORPORATION OFONTARIO,

CANADA.

ELECTROLYTIC APPARATUS.

Application filed September 13, 1920. Serial No. 409,899.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM G. ALLAN, a subject of the King of GreatBritain, residing at Toronto, county of York, Province of Ontario,Canada, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inElectrolytic Apparatus; and I do hereby declare the following to be afull, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enableothers skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use thesame.

This invention relates to electrolytic apparatus, more particularlyapparatus for electrolytic production of oxygen and hydro- 16 gen fromwater containing an electrolyte such as an alkali or an acid.

The general object of the invention is to improve, simplify, and rendermore efficient apparatus If the character in question, and

more particularly electrolytic gas generators wherein a plurality ofcells are electrically connected in series and are assembledstructurally into one or more units.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a novel form ofeasing member whereby the component cell walls or partitions anddiaphragms included in a generator unit may be conveniently assembledand maintained in proper relation one to 80 another.

Another ob'ect of the invention is to pro vide a diap ragm constructionof such character and arrangement that capillary leakage of electrolyteto the exterior of the cell is substantially prevented.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and desirableconstruction and arrangement of conduits for handling gases andelectrolyte in connection with the operation of electrolytic apparatusof the eneral class in question.

With the above general objects in view, and some others which willappear from the description hereinafter, the invention consists in thefeatures, details of construction, and combination of parts, which willfirst be described in connection with the typical practical constructionshown in the accompanyin drawings as an illustrative embodiment 0 theprinciples of the invention, and will then be more particularly pointedout.

In the accompanying drawings Figs. 1 and 2 taken together, show acomplete generator unit in side elevation and part1 in section on theline AA of Figs. 3 an 4;

Figs. 3 and 4, taken together, show a section taken at right angles toFigs. 1 and 2 on the line B-B of Figs. 1 and 2 through one of thecomponent cells of the generator unit, parts being shown in elevation;

Fig. 3 is an end view of iping above the generator unit, and is to eread in connection with Figs. 3 and 4;

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the generalpr unit;

Fig. 6 is a view in elevation of one of the double flanged frames orcasing members;

Fig. 7 is an edge view of the same, partly broken away and in section;

Figs. 8 and 9 are fragmentary views, corresponding to Figs. 6 and 7respectively, showing a modified construction;

Fig. 10 is a view in elevation partly broken away, of an improveddiaphragm construction 11 is a transverse section of the same;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view on an enlarged scale illustrating theconstruction of the diaphragm border, in section on the line 12-12 ofFig. 10, and

Fig. 13 is a sectional detail on a larger scale illustrating the mannerof clamping a diaphragm margin between a pair of caslng members.

Referring to the drawings, 20 are cell walls or partitions, which are ofthin sheet steel in this instance, alternating with porous diaphragms21, the space between any two adjacent cell walls 20 constitutin asingle cell, divided by the interposed iaphragm into an anode chamberand a cathode chamber. Said cell walls or partitions may be ofnon-conducting material, if desired. Any convenient number of cells maybe grouped together in series to constitute a structural unit and in theparticular unit here illustrated, there are six such cells, four of thembeing included between successive pairs of the partition walls 20, andthe other two being included between the end walls 22, 23 and therespective cooperating adjacent partition walls 20.

Each of the intermediate cell walls or partitions 2O constitutes anelectrode support and, as here shown. carries a bipolar electrodestructure comprising two active electrode members 24, 25, secured in anysuitabl manner to said cell walls. In the particular exampleillustrated, each of said electrode members 24, 25, is foraminous andconsists of metallic wire cloth or screen mounted on supporting studs 26that space the active electrode member away from the cell wall and holdit. substantially in engagement with the cooperating diaphragm 21, saidstuds extending through the cell wall and being secured in place thereonby means of anchoring shoulders 27. One method of securing the wirefabric member to said studs is by welding, but any other appropriatemethod may be employed. The particular character and construction of theelectrodes in question form no part of the present invention, whichcontemplates the employment of any suitable type of electrodes. The endplates 22, 23, en port unipolar electrodes 28 which are suita ly mountedupon and secured to said end plates by means of studs 29, thearrangement being similar in essential respects to that alreadydescribed for the bipolar electrodes.

In order to support and maintain the described cell walls and diaphragmsin proper relative position, and at the same time to provide casingmeans for peripherally enclosin the component cells of t e generatorunit, I provide annular frames or casing members indicated generally at30 in Figs. 1 to 4, and illustrated in greater detail in Figs. 6 and 7.Generally described, these annular casing members are provided with twoflanges each and are so assembled with the cell walls or partitions anddiaphragrns that the successive airs of flanges engage and hold betweent em. in alternating arrangement the margins of said cell walls and saiddiaphragms. Within the broad scope of the invention, these flanges maybe formed and arranged in a number of different ways depending upon theparticular object sought or advantage to be gained in a given generatorconstruction. The form shown in the present illustrative embodiment,however, has articularly advantaous features and characteristics,rendermg it superior to others of which I am aware, and it is thereforeconsidered especially desirable for the purposes of this invention. Ashere shown, each of said annular casing members is substantiallyrectanlar in shape and consists of an annular dy portion 31 which may bebroadly termed tubular and which corresponds more or less approximatelyin axial length to the transverse width or thickness of a single halfcell (anode or cathode chamber), that is, to the distance from adiaphragm to the next adjacent cell wall on either side thereof;together with two flanges 32 and 33, which in the present illustrationextend outwardly and inwardly, respectively, from said cylindricalportion 31 and substantially at right angles thereto. The non-adjacentfaces of said flanges constitute bearing surfaces which, in cooperationwith similar bearing surfaces on the flanges of adjacent casing members,are adapted to engage and clamp between them the margins of thealternately disposed cell walls and diaphragms before mentioned. In theparticular arrangement here illustrated, the inwardly extending flanges33 of adjacent casing members serve to support the intermediate cellpartitions 20 between them. While cooperating pairs of the outwardlyprojecting flanges 32 serve to hold the diaphragms in position; but thisarrangement, though recommended, may be reversed. Any suitable means forsecuring the described parts together in the relation specified may beemployed. In the construction illustrated in the drawings, a pluralityof bolts 34 extend through each cooperating pair of the inner flanges 33and through the interposed margin of the cell partition 20 to be heldthereby, suitable packing 35 such as sheet rubber or the like beingprovided to render the joint liquid tight and to insulate the plate fromthe casing. Between each pair of adjacent outer flanges 32 of the casingmembers is clamped the marginal portion 36 of one of the diaphragms, anda plurality of through bolts 37 extending through said outer flanges anddiaphragm margins are provided to clamp the assemblage together underpressure to provide a liquid-tight casing for the generator unit.

The double flanged casing members may be constructed in any suitablemanner, but in the specific example illustrated they are formed from asingle piece of sheet steel shaped in a; die under pressure, and theflanges are provided with suitable apertures 38 and 39 to receive thesmall bolts 34 and the through bolts 37, respectively. \Vhile thismethod of forming the casing members has improtant practical advantages,they can obviously be made in other ways, as. for example, by employingseparate pieces for the side and em], members and joining them togetherto form the complete annular casing member by welding or otherwise. Thethrough bolts 37 are insulated from the casing flanges 32 through whichthey pass, by insulating sleeves 40 and insulating bushings 40. Spacingand thrust collars or ferrules 41, through which the bolts 37 andsleeves 40 also pass, are inserted in the spaces between the flanges 32of each pair of casing members that support a cell wall 20. Thesespacing and thrust collars or ferrules serve to support the outerflanges solidly against pressure applied to their hearing faces, so thatadjacent outer flanges can be drawn tightly together by means of thethrough bolts to firmly clamp the interposed margin of a diaphragmstructure.

' tive electrode member.

Each of the end plates 22, 23, has a flanged annular casing membersecured to it as by means of bolts 42, which are suitabl insulated fromsaid plate by insulatin ushin 43. and said casing member being insu atedfrom said plate b insulating asket 44 of rubber or the like. lilach saiden plate 22, 23 is bent at right angles at each end to provide verticalflanges 45, whereby the unit can be conveniently connected electricallyin series with other units at opposite ends thereof with the aid ofbolts 46 or the like clamping connecting links or jumpers t7, which aresimilarly secured to ad'aoent cell units. The unit may be suppo onangular feet or pedestals 48 through which certain of the through bolts37 may extend, the pedestals being anchored solidl to the end walls ofthe unit by means 0 nuts 49 on such through bolts. Any other suitablemethod of supporting the unit in an upright position may of course be emloyed.

Appropriate means for con ucting electrolyte into and from each cell,and for conducting nerated gases therefrom, are provided. n thepractical construction here illustrated, all the necessary exteriorpipin connections for this purpose enter the cel unit at the top, thusentirely doing away with the necessity for locating piping connectionsbelow the cells and thus rendering the piping much more readilyaccessible for all urposes, besides reducin the head of liquid in thewelded joints an consequently lessening liability to leaks. As hereshown, electrolyte is supplied to the half-cell compartmentsindividually from separate supply headers 50 and 51 for anolyte andcatholyte, respectively. From header 50, anolyte passes through a pipe50 to a manifold 52, a separate anolyte manifold being best provided foreach unit. From this maniold, a plurality of branch pipes 53, of

which there is one for each anode compartment and therefore a total ofsix for the generator unit here illustrated, extend downward, each beingconnected to an anolyte intake 54 entering the upper part of an anodehalf-eel] or compartment. Similarly, the catholyte header 51 isconnected by a pipe 55 to catholyte manifold 56, of which there is aseparate one for each unit, said manifold being connected by six branchpipes 57 to the catholyte intakes 58 of the respective cathodehalf-cells or compartments. Each of the anolyte and catholyte intakepipes 54 and 58 extends down to near the ottom of the correspondinhalflcell, passing between the inner perip eral wall of the cell and theedge of the active electrode member therein. Most desirably, each intakepipe bends near the bottom of the cell and passes harezintallv below andin substantially the same weatzcal lane as the ac- As here shown, the

intake pipe extends horizontally the full width of the cell below andparallel to the lower edge of the electrode member, and is provided onits upper side with openings 59 through which electrolyte may flowupwardly along the faces of the electrode member.

Electrolyte and generated gases leave the upper part of the celltogether through ofl takes 60 and 61, 60 being the ofi'takes for anolyteand oxygen from the anode compartments, and 61 being the catholyte andhydrogen ofi'takes from the cathode compartments.

he anolyte and oxygen ofit'takes 60 discharge through pipes 62 into anofl'take manifold 63, from which anolyte and oxygen pass through a pipe64 to an ofitake header 65. Similarly, catholyte and hydrogen passthrough pipes 66 into an ofitake manifold 67, and thence through a pipe68 to an offtake header 69. A separate ofi'take manifeld 63 and aseparate ofl'take manifold 67 are provided for each unit in theconstruction here illustrated. Moreover, the manifold 67 and header 69are larger than manifold 63 and header 65, because the volume ofhydrogen evolved is double that of the oxygen, assuming the ressure andtemperature to be the same. Eor the same reason the pipes 66 are largerthan pipes 62; and the How capacity of the hydrogen ofi'takes 61 is madegreater than that of the oxygen 03- takes 60 by increasing the width ofeach said ofl'take in a direction parallel to the flanges 32, to form aflattened ofl'take of which the smaller diameter may be the same as thatof the oxygen ofitakes. This enables provision of ample ofi'takecapacity even when the cells are relatively very narrow, as in thepresent example. Both hydrogen and oxygen offtakes are welded orotherwise suitably fixed into the annular body portion 31 of the cellcasing members, and in addition may be attached by welding or otherwiseto the flanges to obtain structural stifiness or rigidity.

By means of suitable piping connections, anolyte and oxygen on the onehand, and catholyte and h drogen on the other, are conducted from eadersand 69 into the upper part of separate tanks (not shown) for anolyte andcatholyte, respectively, where separation of the respective gases fromthe electrolyte may be effected, and the gases separately led away foruse or to gasometers. Anolyte and catholyte, freed from gases in therespective separating tanks, are conducted back through return headers50 and 51, respectively, to the several anode and cathode chambersthrough intakes 54 and 58, respectively. Any suitable kind andarrangement of separating tanks operative to efiect the foregoing may beemployed, and as such systems are wel known in the art. broadlyspeaking, it is unnecessary to illustrate the same here. It will be seenthat the oiftake headers 65, 69 are located at a somewhat higher levelthan the return headers 50, 51; they should also enter the respectiveseparating tanks at a higher level than that at which the return headers50, 51 leave the same. This arrangement facilitates proper and effectivecirculation of the electrolyte in the system.

The connections of the described intakes and ofi'takes to the half cellcompartments served thereby may be eilected in any suitable manner. Inthe construction here illustrated, each of the intake pipes 54 and 58,which are similar in all essential respects, passes through the annularbody portion 31 of an annular casing member, the joint being mostdesirably welded as indicated at 80 in Fig. 3, and the pipe also beingwelded to the adjacent flange 32, as in the case of the oil'- takes.Most desirably the intake pipe is also brought substantially intoengagement with said annular body portion of the casing member on theinner periphery thereof, an is welded thereto (indicated at 81) at aboutthe location where the pipe is bent to ex tend horizontally across theelectrode chamher. In this instance the end of the pipe is also weldedto the opposite side of the easing as indicated at 82. Each of theofitake ipes and 61 also enters the corresponding electrode chamberthrough a suitable opening in the annular body portion 31 of a casingmember, the joint being desirably welded in this instance both insideand outside the casing, as indicated at 83. It will thus be seen thateach a ular casing member is provided with an electrolyte intake and agas and electrolyte ofitake structurally integral therewith in a compactrigid unitary construction. These units may be identical, except that inthe particular construction here shown, the catholyte and hydrogenofitakes are larger than the anolyte and ox gen ofitakes, as disclosed,because of the re atively larger volume of hydrogen evolved.

Where for any reason itmay be convenient or desirable to emploelectrolyte intakes or returns entering t cell compartments from belowrather than from above, the form of casing member, of which the lowerpart is illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, may be used. In thismodifiedconstruction, the casing member is provided with a pipe 84having discharge orifices 85 and extending directly through the oppositeannular bodv rtions 31 of the casing member near the lower part thereof,one or both ends of said pipe projecting out beyond the edges of theouter flanges 32, thus enabling connection of either end to an intakemanifold, the o posite end being closed by a removable p ug or a draincock 84', for example. The arrangement in which all the intake and thecells, as first described,

olftake connections enter the upper part of sulating has the advantagsthat such connections are subjected to the pressure of a smallerhydrostatic head than where the connections enter the lower part of thecells.

Each annular casin member may be pro vided at its lower on with a bottomdrain connection 86, normally closed by a plug 87 or other suitableclosure means.

In practice it is desirable that the connections of the intakes andofi'take to the manifolds or to the headers, be of such character thatin an installation com rising several multi-cell units of the generalcharacter hereinabove described, it is possible readily to disconnectany of the units from the rest of the installation and remove the samefor repair or replacement, without interrupting or in any wayinterfering with the operation of the remaining units. The arrangementherein illustrated is especially well adapted to conform to theserequirements, the connections being of such character that a unit can bereadily and expeditiously disconnected at a location between the abovedescribed manifolds and their cooperatin headers, or between saidmanifolds an the cells. It will be seen that the several manifolds andheaders are provided with branches 88 and 89 respectively, detachablycoupled by flexible couplings 90 such as piece of rubber hose or thelike. The branches 89 are provided with shut-oil valves 91 which can beclosed when it is desired to disconnect the rubber hose cour s It is amatter of reat (practical importance to provide inta e an olftakeconnections of such character that no continuous metallic path isprovided between the conduits 54, 58, 60 and 61 on the one hand, and therespective cooperating manifolds 52, 56, 63 and 67 on the other; andalso of such character that a relatively lon path be provided from metalto meta and through which the electrolyte passes. t

the same time, it is important that these connections be stron and notreadily displaced by pressure 0 the electrolyte, gases, etc., nordestroyed by chemical action of the electrolyte or products ofelectrolysis. The novel construction herein illustrated answers theserequirements admirably and constitutes an important feature of theresent construction. As the constructions or the several intakes andofitakes are essentially imilar, it will suflice to describe for purofillustration the connection between the intakes 58 and their cooperatingmanifold 56. The manifold 56, which iks the other manifolds may be madeof p steel, for example, is provided with a pluralityxpf downwardlyrojecting nipples ?2. A tu 93 of relative y hard and rigid inmaterial,such as hard rubber for example, fits tightly inside of the'nipple 92and the upwardly extending nipple portion '94 of the intake 58, and isprovided intermediate its ends with a shoulder or annular enlargement95, the outer peripheral surface of the annular shoulder 95 beingsubstantially flush with the outer surfaces of the members 92 and 94.Steel reinforcin tubes 96, 97 disposed on opposite sides of t einsulating shoulder 95, abut the ends of 92 and 94, respectively, and aflexible sleeve 98, of rubber tubing for example, held in place by meansof suitable retaining bands or strips 99 of any suitable material,encloses the assemblage and completes the reinforced ofitakeconstruction.

In assembling the described connection, the steel reinforcing tubes 96,97, are driven on over the opposite ends of the hard rubber tube 93until they abut the separatin shoulder 95. Incidentally it ma be notedthat, instead of using a shoul ered hard rubber tube, a tube of uniformoutside diameter may be used and a short section of soft rubber tubingor the like interposed between the adjacent ends of the steel reinforcintubes. In either case, the soft rubber s eeve 98 is then drawn on overthe assemblage. At the ends, the rubber sleeve is turned back on itselfto permit the ends of the hard rubber tube 93 to be driven tightly intothe nipple 92, 94; after which the rubber sleeve ends are drawn backover the joints and fastened by the retaining bands 99.

It will be seen that the relatively long non-conducting passage providedby the hard rubber tube 93 represents the minimum distance between theexposed metal arts of the intake 58 and the manifold 56. oreover, theconnection is strong and relatively rigid, being far more permanent andotherwise satisfactory in character than the ordinary rubber hoseconnections sometimes employed.

The diaphragms are most desirably provided with a border or frame ofsome kind that will serve to prevent capilla seepage of the electrolyte,usually a so ution of caustic alkali, at the points where the diaphragmsare marginally clamped between the flan es of adjacent annular casingmembers. \Vit in the sec e of the invention various expedients mayadopted to accomplish this result. In general, each diaphragm should besupported or reinforced at its marginal portions by relativelnon-yielding means such as a metal bor er, to which the diaphragm may besecured in any suitable manner, as by bolting, riveting, clam ing,crimpin or otherwise, said non-yie ding means being employed inconjunction with ielding means such as rubber, impregnate fabric, etc.placed between the non-yielding border means and the casing member flanes between which the diaphragm is to In clamped. The yielding spacingmeans may be and usually are of electrically insulated material.

One form which a diaphragm may take within the scope of the invention isillustrated more particularly in Figs. 10, 11 and 12, where the strip100 of thin sheet metal is bent into a narrow U-shape to cover themargin of the diaphragm and is secured thereto by means of dimples ordepressions 101 crimped into the metal of the strip on opposite sides ofthe diaphragm in staggered arrangement. In order to provide a relativelynon-yielding marginal clam ing portion for the diaphragm structure, tore is employed in this instance a steel filler strip 102 lying in thebase of the U-shaped sheet metal member 100 outside of the edges of theasbestos fabric forming the diaphragm pro er. When the diaphragms areassembled with the annular casing members, as illustrated generally inFigs. 1 and 2, and more in detail in Fi 13, a strip of sheet rubber 103may be olded around and cemented to the armored or reinforced edge ofthe diaphragm to insulate the same from the casing flanges between whichit is clamped; and the remainder of the space between the said flangesis most desirably occupied by a gasket 104 of soft rubber having theproper thickness. Instead of fold ing a single strip of sheet rubberaround the diaphragm edge, I ma use two rectangular annular gaskets of 8act rubber, one on each side of the diaphragm margin. When the annularcasing members are drawn tightly to ether by means of the through boltsor ot er appropriate clam ing means, the diaphragms are thus tight yheld and insulated from the casing, and the 'oint between each pair offlanges is e ectively packed and rendered liquid tight both by the sheetrubber covering the non-yielding diaphragm border and by the soft rubberpacking gaskets 104. In the best embodiment of the invention, thesepacking gaskets protrude some little distance beyond the outermost edgesof the casing flanges, as indicated. This provides a creepage path ofexaggerated length, so that in case of any slight leakage of electrolytethrough the casing joints in spite of the precautions taken in packingthe same, the liability to short circuiting of cells through leakage ofelectrolyte around the casing flanges and also arcing between casingsections are minimized.

The described construction of the multicell unit lends itselfparticularly Well to the application of heat insulation to the exteriorof the unit, including the piping connections associated therewith,where such heat insulation is desirable as it sometimes is whenoperating at high current densities in order to maintain the electrolyteat a high temperature and thereby to keep the internal resistance of thecells as low as possible. In the present instance I have illustratedbodies of heat insulating material 106 in the spaces between the pairsof outwardly projpcting casing flanges, such heat insulation aving beenmolded into these spaces in plastic condition, and bein removabletherefrom when necessary. imilarly, the intake and ofltake connectionsmay be, and most desirabl are, encased in similar insulation molde toproper form.

The employment of anuular cell frames having 0 positely extendingflanges, as in the em iment of the invention here illustrated, has thegreat practical advantage that the rows of bolts by which the pairs ofcooperating inner flanges are individually secured together can bearranged at a radial distance from the horizontal axis of the apparatusdifferent from that at which are arranged the through bolts that tie theseries of cells to ther. This not only increases to a materia extent theconvenience of assembling, but it also enables as close spacing of thebolts in each row as ma be necessary to secure liquid-tightness of tilejoints.

Another desirable feature characterizing the construction of theinvention, whether the two flanges of the annular cell frames projectoppositely or both in the same direction from the body portion, is thefact that two cell frames with a cell wall or electrode-supporting platemarginally clamped between them may constitute a structural unit whichis readily removable from the complete assemblage, when necessary, witha minimum interruption to operation. As the diaphragms require attentionand repair more frequently than do the cell walls, this is a matter ofconsiderable practical importance.

The term annular, as descriptive of the cell frames, is not intended tobe literally understood. In the specification and claims by the wordannular is meant, endless, and

the cell casing 30 is not to be limited to one of circular form. Eachcell casing is, in effect, a short, tubular member of any desired crosssection, preferably rectangular.

What I claim is:

1. In electrolytic apparatus, a cell casing comprising a plum ity ofannular cell frames each having inwardly and outwardly rejectingflanges, said frames being assemled with the outer flanges abutting inpairs and the inner flanges abutting 1n pairs- 2. Electrolytic a paratuscomprising a plurality of annu ar metal frames each havin a air ofbearing flanges, said frames assemfile with said flanges in cooperatingrelation, and insulation separating the flanges of adjacent frames.

3. Electrolytic apparatus comprising a plurality of annular frames eachhaving an outwardly projecting flange and an inwardly pro ecting ange,in combination with cell partition means and diaphragm means, attachedto said flanges in alternating arrangement.

4. Electrolytic apparatus comprising a plurality of annu ar frames eachhaving an outwardly projecting flange and an inwardly projecting flange,assembled with the inwardly injecting flanges adjacent in pairs and toutwardly rejecting flanges adjacent in pails, in com ination with cellpartitions and diaphragms in alternating arrangement clamped betweensaid pairs of 5. Electrolytic apparatus com rising a plurality ofannular frames each aving an outwardly projecting flange and aninwardg'projecting flange, assembled with the inwa y rejecting flangesadjacent in pairs and t e outwardly projecting flanges adjacent inpairs, in combination with cell partitions each maginally held between apair of said inwa ly projecting flan s, and diaphragms each marginallyheld dietween a pair of said outwardly projecting flanges.

6. Electrolytic apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality ofannular cell frames each having an outwardly projecting flange and aninwardly projecting flange, such outwardly and inwardly projectingflanges cooperating, respectively, in two sets of pairs when the cellframes are assembled, a cell partition marginally clamped between eachpair of flanges in one set, a diaphragm marginally clamped between eachpair of flanges in the other set, and means for separately securingtogether the flanges of the 'pairs in both sets.

7. Electric apparatus comprising, a unit having two annular cell casingmembers each having two flanges, an electrode structure supported by twoof said flanges, one flange 0 each member cooperating to hold theelectrode structure, the remaining flanges being adapted to cooperatewith similar flanges of corresponding units in forming a cell casing.

8. Electrolytic apparatus comprising a plurality of annular frames eachhaving an outwardly projecting flan e and an inwardly projecting flange,in com ination with electrode supporting cell walls and diaphragms heldin alternating arrangement by successive cooperating pairs of saidflanges.

9. Electrolytic apparatus com rising a plurallty of annular frames eachving an outwardly projecting flan and an inwardly pro ecting flange,assem led with the inwardly projectin flanges adjacent in pairs and theoutward y pro ecting flanges adjacent in pairs, in combination withelectrodesupporting cell walls each marginally held between a pair ofsaid inwardly projecting flanges, and diaphragms each marginally heldbetween a pair of said outwardly projecting flanges.

10. In an electrolytic cell, the combination of flanged annular spacingmeans composed of relatively thin metal, an impervious wall memberclosing one side of the space peripherally bounded by said annular sacing means, and a pervious wall member c osing the opposite side ofsaid space.

11. In an electrolytic cell, the combination of flanged annular spacingmeans composed of relatively thin metal, an impervious wall memberclosing one side of the space peripherally bounded by said annularspacing means, an electrode mounted on said wall member, and a porousdiaphragm closing the opposite side of said space.

12. In an electrolyte cell, the combination of flanged annular spacingmeans composed of relatively thin metal, a plane impervious plate orsheet-like member secured to the flange on one side of said spacingmeans and closing that side of the space peripherally bounded by saidspacing means, electrode means mounted on said plate or sheet likemember, a porous diaphragm closing the opposite side of said space, andinsulating and packing means interposed between said flanges and thecooperating plate and diaphragm.

13. A unipolar electrode structure comprising a plate or sheet-likemember, a flan d annular spacing member of relative y thin metal havingits flange secured to the margin of said plate on one side thereof,electrode means mounted on said plate on the same side as said annularmember, and insulating and packing means interposed between said flangeand plate.

14. A bipolar electrode structure compris ing a plate or sheet-likemember, a pair of flanged annular spacing members of relatively thinmetal secured by their flanges to opposite sides of said plate adjacentthe margin thereof, electrode means mounted on both Sides of said plateand metallically connected to each other, and insulating and packingmeans interposed between said plate and said flanges.

15. Electrolytic apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality offlanged annular frames, said frames being arranged so that the flangesthereof cooperate in clamping pairs, members separating successiveclamping pairs, and means extending through said pairs and members tohold the assemblage together.

16. Electrolytic apparatus, comprising flanged annular cell framesassembled to provide a casing, the frame flanges cooperatlng insuccessive pairs to form joints, collars interposed between saidsuccessive pairs of flanges, and bolts passing through said flanges andcollars.

17. Electrolytic apparatus, comprising flanged annular cell framesassembled to provide a casing, the frame flanges cooperating insuccessive pairs to form joints, axially alined collars interposedbetween said successive pairs of flanges, there being alined openings inthe flangesfand bolts passing through said openings and collars.

18. A diaphragm structure comprising a flat body of pervious materialhaving its periphery and adjacent marginal portions on both sidescovered by metal.

19. A diaphragm structure comprising a sheet of asbestos fabric, and astiffening border therefor comprising a strip of sheet metal foldedaround the edges of the ashestos fabric and crimped thereto.

20. The combination, with tw cell frames having cooperating bearingsurfaces, of a diaphragm structure having a substantially non-yieldingborder clamped between said bearin surfaces.

21. n electrolytic apparatus, the com bination, with a closed cell, ofan electrolyte intake and an electrolyte offtake, both entering theupper part of the cell.

22. In electrolytic apparatus, the combination, with a cell, of anelectrolyte intake and an electrolyte ofltake, both entering the upperpart of the cell, the intake extending down inside the cell to near thebottom thereof.

23. In electrolytic apparatus, the combination, with a cell havingelectrode means therein, of an electrolyte intake and ofltake, bothentering the upper part of the cell, the intake extending down insidethe cell and passing horizontally below and adjacent to said electrodemeans, the horizontal portion of said intake being apertured.

24. In electrolytic apparatus, an annular casing member comprising atubular portion which is intermediate flanges extending oppositelytherefrom.

25. In electrolytic apparatus, an annular casing member comprising atubular portion which is intermediate flanges extending oppositelytherefrom and substantially at right angles thereto.

26. In electrolytic apparatus, an annular casing member comprising atubular portion which is intermediate flanges extending oppositelytherefrom, said tubular portion being apertured for passage of gas andelectrolyte.

27. In electrolytic apparatus, an annular casing member, there being aconduit entering the top of the casing to form an electrolyte ofltake,and a conduit extending from above the top f the casing to deliver electrolyte within and near the bottom of the casing.

28. In electrolytic apparatus, an annular frame member, in combinationwith a conduit passing through the periphery of said member andcontinuin along an inner edge thereof, said conduit ing secured to saidmember.

29. In electrolytic ap aratus, a substantially rectangular annu ar framemember, in combination with a wnduit passing through the periphery ofsaid member at one end, continuing a ong one side thereof to adjacentthe other end, and then continuing along the opposite end, this latterportion being provided with discharge openlugs.

In electrol 'c apparatus, a conduit for gas or electro yte comprising aninsulating tube, reinforcing. means surrounding said tube, and a sleevesurrounding both the tube and reinforcing means.

31. In electrolytic apparatus, a conduit for gas or electro ytecomprising an insulating tube provided with an external spacing member,metal reinforcing tubes enclosing said insulating tube but spaced apartby said member, and a flexible sleeve covering said metal tubes.

32. In electrolytic apparatus, the combination, with two separated pipeterminals, of a pipe connection between them comprising an innerinsulating tube, metal reinforc' means surrounding said tube but arnmfito maintain a non-conducting gap between said pipe terminals, and asleeve surround ing the reinforced tube.

33. In electrolytic ap aratus, the combination, with a closed celcomprising an annular cell frame having two flanges, of a conduitsecured to and passing through said frame transversely of its axis andintermediate said flanges.

34. In electrolytic ap aratus, the combination, with a closed cecomprising an annular cell frame, of conduit means sec to and passingthrough the up r side of said frame transversely of its axis, a part ofsaid conduit means opening into the upper portion of the s ace boundedby said frame, and another an separate part opening with the lowerportion of said space.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

WILLIAM G. ALLAN.

